Is my heart making mistakes?

Hi,
I am 35, female, 198 pounds, 5.9”. I am a lawyer and I have a full time job. I have high blood pressure and take (now) Attacand 8 mg daily. I also have an axiety problem. About 2 years ago (2007) I began experiencing arrhythmias. I feel that my heart skips a beat and then I feel a big “bang” and it starts beating normal again, as if nothing happens. At that time I went to a cardiologist. EKG was ok. I also wore a Holter monitor for 24 hours. The cardiologist told me that the holter recorded 5 extra ventricular heartbeats. She told me not to worry but if I notice that I get more of them I have to check it out.
In march 2009 I went to work. No stress, no anxiety etc. That morning I got about 10 arrhythmias. I started to worry and I went to my GP. He called the cardiologist. The EKG was ok and I also did some bloodwork, came out OK except of a low potassium level. At that time I was taking CO-Diovan 80/12.5 mg for my high BP. The cardiologist told me because of the antidiuretic I was losing my potassium and maybe that why I am getting the arrhythmias. He gave me a supplement Slow K 600 mg and he changed my high BP medication to Attacand. He also ordered an echocardiogram from my heart and I also have to wear a Holter for 24 hours but this time for my high BP. He wants to find out why I am getting this arrhythmias. I have to do these tests in june 2009. With these new medications I started feeling well.
About two weeks ago I remember having a large meal at lunch. Immediately after eating I felt stomach discomfort and I noticed that my heart was beating very fast. My husband rushed me to the ER. My BP was OK. My pulse was 133. EKG was ok but the ER doctor told me that I have sinus tachycardia. He gave me beta blockers but I did not took them. I got an appointment with my cardiologist on may 27, 2009.
About two days ago I was helping my sister painting her room. Everything was ok. No anxiety, stress etc. We took a break and we were having something to eat. During eating I was chatting with her. Out of nowhere I felt my heart making mistakes I mean not the usual single beat mistake but a couple of them in a row. I was as if my heart didn’t want to fall in its normal rythm. I got pretty scared. I thought I was going to die. Since then I am very anxious and nervous. What’s going on?
1. Is it possible that after having a very large meal your heart can start beating that fast?
2. Is it possible that I can feel different kind of arrhythmias? I mean not the usual single beat mistake but a couple of them in a row?
3. Do I have to stay calm? Do I have to worry?
Thanks for reading and answering,
Amethyst



This discussion is related to rapid heart rate in the morning upon standing.

[SassyLassie]

I am glad you are seeing a cardiologist, however, I will try to answer your questions the best I can, I hope it helps some.

1. Is it possible that after having a very large meal your heart can start beating that fast? YES, it is very possible, as our system digest the food we eat, it causes everything to work a little harder, and our hearts are no different. Also, if you have any food allergies/sensitivities, these can cause a faster heart rate as well. Oh yes, if you have a hiatal, this will also sometimes cause the heart to race after eatting and can also cause extra beats as well, I have one, and if I eat or drink a lot of water, it will sometimes start them up.

2. Is it possible that I can feel different kind of arrhythmias? I mean not the usual single beat mistake but a couple of them in a row? Oh yes, I feel all different kinds of rhythms at times. Some are called "bigeminy" and others are called "trigeminy" There are different kinds, but, most are benign, especially if your heart is structurally normal and this is determined via an Echocardiogram.

3. Do I have to stay calm? Do I have to worry? Well, staying calm will certainly help with the flutters, the more upset you get, the more your adrenal glands secrete the "flight or fight" hormones, and these are the ones that cause the anxiety, flutters, etc. So, the more calm, the better. I should practice what I preach, it is very hard for me to remain calm when I experience them, they scare me so much. As to worry, as long as your cardiologist has told you all is well, I would say it is safe to just relax and try to NOT worry; again, easier said than done.